On a pleasantly cool winter morning in early November, we boarded the train to our vacation destination Rishikesh. Situated in the lower Himalayas in the northern part of the country, this town is well-known both for its spiritual connection as well as for its charming natural beauty.
As our train chugged across the pretty Indian countryside, we enjoyed these vistas.
As our train chugged across the pretty Indian countryside, we enjoyed these vistas.
Reaching Haridwar around midday, we drove past its famed ghats into the looming mountains ahead, on to our destination Rishikesh.
In the evening we went down to the mighty river Ganges. The kids were mesmerized to see so much water…. such a wide expanse of river! They floated flowers, incense and ‘diyas’.
In the evening we went down to the mighty river Ganges. The kids were mesmerized to see so much water…. such a wide expanse of river! They floated flowers, incense and ‘diyas’.
As the evening turned to dusk the riverside echoed with the sounds of holy ‘mantras’ and huge traditional lamps were lit for the ‘arati’.
Next morning we visited the two suspension bridges – Laxman Jhula and Ram Jhula - that take you across the vast river.
From the bridges one gets to see mesmerizing views of the Ganges and the surrounding hills. And loads of fish in the water… the kids loved it! :)
On the third day we chose to spend some more time by the riverside, at an unhurried pace. We got into the water, which was surprisingly warm and comfortable even for the kids.
On the third day we chose to spend some more time by the riverside, at an unhurried pace. We got into the water, which was surprisingly warm and comfortable even for the kids.
Those are my feet in the river...
In the evening we headed back home but not before we spotted a family of monkeys at the Haridwar station, deftly balancing their way across the iron girders of the station roof!
Hope you enjoyed this tour of Rishikesh with me.
We drew pictures on the sand. And we collected shiny round stones from the riverside, both as mementoes and for using in the gardens of our new home.
We also spotted some feathered friends…and marveled as the sun turned the river into a shimmery sheet of molten gold.
In the evening we headed back home but not before we spotted a family of monkeys at the Haridwar station, deftly balancing their way across the iron girders of the station roof!Hope you enjoyed this tour of Rishikesh with me.
P.S.: I have a confession to make. This post does not carry my best pictures of the trip simply because I am wary of plagiarists. Of late I have come across numerous incidents of stealing from blogs, and have hence decided to play safe. Sorry for robbing my readers of the best shots!
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